At least 12 people were killed and 42 injured in twin attacks in Tehran on Wednesday, the head of the country's emergency department, Pir Hossein Kolivand, was quoted as saying by state broadcaster IRIB.

The first attack took place in the parliament building while the second happened at the Mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini. 

Gunmen opened fire at the parliament and the shrine of Ayatollah Khomeini in the capital Tehran, Iran on June 7, 2017. / VCG Photo

What happened in parliament?

Three assailants, one with a pistol and two with AK-47 assault rifles, raided the chamber, state television reported, quoting a lawmaker.

Reuters said up to seven people were killed in the assault, citing state news agency IRNA. 

Although there are conflicting casualty numbers, Fars news agency reported three people were injured and four have been taken hostage as security forces surround the building.

Shooting at Khomeini's mausoleum

Around half an hour later, an armed man opened fire at the mausoleum of founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in the south of the city, killing at least one person and wounding several others, Fars news agency reported.

Reuters quoted a governor of Tehran as saying that one attacker had blown himself up at the mausoleum after firing shots while one was killed by security forces.

ISIL has claimed responsibility for both incidents, Reuters reported, citing the ISIL-affiliated Amaq news agency.

(Source: Agencies)